Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –
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Starts work today IAEA Scientific Forum on the Theme "Atoms for Water"Ahead of the event, the IAEA presents an interview with Ms. Retno Marsudi, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Water.
The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Water, Retno Marsudi, shares her views on what needs to be done to ensure sustainable access to water for all in the future. An advocate for water-related challenges around the world, she supports efforts to mobilize action and funds, and to enhance international cooperation to advance the global water agenda. She served as Foreign Minister of Indonesia from 2014 to 2024.
What does water mean to you personally?
Water has always been a deeply personal matter for me.
As a woman, I understand that water-related issues particularly affect women and girls. In many parts of the world, water scarcity and limited access to safe water places an unequal burden on them, forcing them to travel long distances to fetch water for their families.
But women are also leaders of change. I believe – and the evidence consistently shows – that women’s leadership on water issues leads to more sustainable and equitable outcomes, not only in water but in all other development sectors.
I also believe that the responsibility for water management goes beyond global commitments or institutional mandates. It affects our very existence, our dignity, and the lives of future generations. Talking about water is not just talking about infrastructure or systems, it is about survival. It is about protecting the foundations of life and livelihoods.
That is why the responsibility to deliver on global water commitments is so important. This is not just a matter of politics. It is about improving lives – everywhere, for everyone, especially for those who are most often left behind.
What do you see as the key priorities for ensuring the sustainability of water resources on our planet?
Water is essential for life, and today our world’s water systems are under unprecedented pressure. An estimated 2.4 billion people live in countries experiencing water shortages. In 2022, at least 1.7 billion people worldwide relied on contaminated drinking water sources.
Climate change and extreme weather events are making matters worse, with 2024 set to be the warmest year on record. Urgent and multifaceted action is needed, including stepping up research, building capacity, empowering women and youth to drive innovation, and more.
At the heart of all these efforts lies one essential ingredient: international cooperation based on global solidarity.
It is key to translating global commitments into concrete action. Unfortunately, water funding remains inadequate and is declining worldwide. Meeting future water and water infrastructure needs will require an estimated US$6.7 trillion by 2030 and more than US$22 trillion by 2050.
To ensure a water-secure future, we must prioritize broad international cooperation, especially in the areas of financing, technology development and capacity building for those who need it most.
What are the most effective approaches to improve the efficiency, sustainability and stability of water resources management?
In my dialogues with countries and stakeholders on water, I continually emphasize that water is everyone’s responsibility. No one person, institution or country can solve global water problems alone. Governments, the private sector, academia, civil society organizations and other stakeholders must all play an active role in shaping and implementing water governance policies.
A multi-stakeholder approach enhances ownership by ensuring that everyone is involved in planning, implementing and evaluating water decisions. It draws on the diverse experiences and capabilities of each stakeholder.
Equally important is a multi-sectoral approach that integrates water into all aspects of development. Through integrated water resources management, water can become a unifying factor in addressing multiple global challenges, including poverty eradication, climate resilience, food and energy security, disaster risk reduction, and the empowerment of women and youth.
These approaches depend on a robust operational framework. This is where the triple bottom line (advocacy, alignment and catalysing action) becomes critical: advocacy to raise the profile of water as a shared priority; alignment to ensure that all water-related initiatives are interconnected; and catalysing rapid innovation and action.
Finally, we must not miss the opportunity to harness the transformative role of technology in making water management more efficient, sustainable and resilient. With technology, we can manage and use water efficiently. We can produce more – food, energy, and higher rates of economic growth – with less water.
Where do you think the IAEA can be of greatest assistance in addressing water resource issues using nuclear science and technology?
With a strong focus on research, development and capacity building, the IAEA has much to offer.
Isotope hydrology is a prime example of the transformative potential of nuclear sciences to solve complex water problems. Its ability to accurately trace the origin, age and quality of water makes it a revolutionary tool in water management.
It also provides us with a deep understanding of the world’s water systems, allowing us not only to respond to existing challenges but also to anticipate and prepare for future risks from water-related disasters. It enhances early warning capabilities and long-term planning for sustainable access to water resources.
I encourage the IAEA to continue to prioritize the application of nuclear science to address the world’s most pressing water challenges, particularly those that disproportionately affect developing countries, such as drought and water scarcity, the risk of flooding due to extreme weather events, and water pollution. I believe that through the application of nuclear science and technology, the IAEA will contribute to improving the sustainability of access to water resources worldwide.
What hopes and expectations do you have for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference?
I am guided by the hopes and expectations that are continually expressed by countries and water stakeholders around the world.
There are high expectations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. It will be a key milestone in global progress on water and an opportunity to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation).
The Conference is also expected to inform and shape the future of the global water agenda beyond 2030. This reflects the growing recognition that securing the future of our water resources requires not only immediate action, but also a clear vision for tomorrow, for both people and the planet.
The success of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference depends largely on the sustained and committed efforts of countries and water stakeholders around the world. Meaningful and practical results can only be achieved through inclusive and transparent preparations. I am committed to working with the IAEA to achieve this goal.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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